CRICH PARISH

Joseph Self (1889–1984)

Driver

Army Service Corps (Horse Transport)

061840

Photos courtesy Ian and Brenda Dale

Joseph in later life c 1954

NotesJoseph was born in 1889 and, like his father, worked as a gardener. He attested at Buxton in March 1915 aged twenty-four while living at Whatstandwell. He entered France in May 1915. During May 1917 he was confined to camp as punishment for not being shaven on General Officer Commanding Parade. This seemed a bit harsh, as a short time later he was hospitalised with scabies. July 1918 saw him driving with the Field Ambulance at Abbeville. He was demobbed in July 1919.

Joe's father - Stephen Self, Sr (1855-1957) - had three sons listed on the First World War 'Roll of Honour' inside Crich Parish Church: Charles Self (1881-1963); Joseph Self (1889-1984); and Stephen Self, Jr (1891-1932). Joe's father relocated to Crich from his native Suffolk as a young man during the 1870s and worked as a gardener at Chase Cliffe for thirty years, until 1903. He then worked as a gardener for Mrs Shore Nightingale at Lea Hurst, then later as a roadman for Belper Rural District Council. For many years the family lived at Crich Carr, then later at Robin Hood, Whatstandwell. The Self family were particularly notable for their longevity. Stephen Self, Sr passed away at Crich in 1957, aged 102. Of his twelve children, a son (Joe) and three daughters passed the age of 90, and two of the daughters - Emma and Ellen (Nellie) - lived to 105 and 104, respectively. Also notable for longevity are Stephen Sr's older sister, Maria Daniel (passed away in Surrey in 1954, aged 100); their father, Charles Self (passed away in Suffolk in 1917, aged 93); and their grandfather, Stephen Self (passed away in Suffolk in 1875, aged 97). Joe Self was a lifelong bachelor who passed away at Chesterfield in 1984, aged 95.

Medal Roll Index Card
He was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star Medals.
He entered France 08/05/15.

Army Service Record
He attested 08/03/15 at Buxton,
aged 24 years 1 month, an unmarried gardener with an address in Whatstandwell. His height was 5ft 7½in and weight 144lb. The next of kin was his father Stephen Self of Whatstandwell. Awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star Medals.
07/05/15 Embarked Southampton
08/05/15 Arrived Havre
22/01/17 to 01/02/17 Granted leave
15/05/17 Awarded 7 days confined to camp – not shaven on GOC Parade
03/06/17 Admitted to hospital with scabies
12/06/17 To duty
06/07/18 To 1st Adv H.T, Depot Abbeville for duty with Field Ambulance
30/07/19 Demobbed